Do NOT sand, scrape, or remove any paint, walls, windows, or plaster until you know how to do it safely.

Have all children under the age of 6 years tested for lead poisoning.

Weekly, clean floors, baseboards, and window sills where small children play.  Wash woodwork and painted surfaces with warm water and a general all-purpose cleaner.

Wash toys, pacifiers, and bottles children drop on the floor.  Wash children's hands often especially before they eat.

Serve healthy snacks.  Vitamin C helps the body absorb more iron and calcium and iron helps stop lead from being absorbed into the body.

You can reduce lead hazards by repairing deteriorated paint surfaces to keep them from peeling and chipping.  This is called "interim controls."

You can permanently remove or "abate" lead hazards by removing ALL of the lead-based paint from a surface or by sealing or enclosing lead-based paint with special materials.  Painting over lead-based paint with regular paint is NOT "abatement".

Contact IDPH at:

1-800-972-2026

to get current information on certified lead abatement contractors.